Eastern Coachwhip Snake

[tlcmurphy]

Even the larger ones can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces. I had this 3ft rat snake get into my coop yesterday. Usually they just go after the eggs for an easy meal, but I did have a similar sized snake kill a 10 week old Wyandotte chick last year.

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I’d be moving out

 

[Flchickn99]

I’d be moving out

We just got the smallest possible hardware cloth will work on adding it probably everywhere

 

[StinkyAcres]

We just got the smallest possible hardware cloth will work on adding it probably everywhere

Yeah, I wouldn't put chicks in your coop until you've covered the existing mesh with a smaller hardware cloth. You'll want at least 1/2" hardware cloth to keep snakes out. 1/4" hardware cloth is a thinner gauge, so not recommended for keeping stronger animals out, but may work if it's installed behind a stronger mesh.

 

[Flchickn99]

Yeah, I wouldn't put chicks in your coop until you've covered the existing mesh with a smaller hardware cloth. You'll want at least 1/2" hardware cloth to keep snakes out. 1/4" hardware cloth is a thinner gauge, so not recommended for keeping stronger animals out, but may work if it's installed behind

 

[Flchickn99]

How large is the snake? I would only be really concerned with bantams or very young chicks. 7 week old chicks would be fine against a snake, especially a non-constrictor like the coachwhip, but you can relocate the snake for your own peace of mind if you would like. Just don't kill it, it's an important native species. Usually the only problem people have with snakes and chickens is egg eating: however, snakes usually serve as pest control around the coop so they can be helpful too.

Update: snake decide to move out and chickens has been in the coop for 5 days now. They are loving it! We added some hardware cloth and secured any possible hole.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Well I just made a decision to get rid of my chickens. This evening I stuck my hand in one of the nests, to collect eggs. The coop was dark.
A Black Rat snake was in it and I got a nasty bite.
I was stupid to not look where I was putting my hand. Collecting eggs night after night, I got careless.
I'm not scared of snakes, but I do know when they're backed into a situation they get aggressive. Though they're not venomous, you can still get an infection from any bite.
I'm getting too old to mess with them anyway.